Do Not Veer to the Left or to the Right
When any of us allow our identity to be founded in a political persuasion, we've veered to the Left or the Right. The more polarized by politics our society becomes, the further we shift away from any common ground. Without common ground, there will never be progress, unity, or civility. The leaders on the Left and on the Right sides of the political spectrum are not on the side of Truth. Truth is not political. Those who have relished their lives in political power will never be satisfied. They will always hunger for more power. Power-driven leaders drive people to take political sides. Each side claims if their person doesn't win, the nation is doomed. Well, I've learned, if we're not following the true Leader, we're doomed if we do and doomed if we don't.
God never points His people to a man-made political ideology. He actually commands that we not veer to the left or to the right, but instead remain steadfast in walking in the way of His Truth. Our purpose as His people is to follow His lead while leading others to do the same.
In Joshua chapter one, there are explicit instructions given to the Israelites as to how to proceed into and conquer the Promised Land. With their earthly deliverer, Moses, dead, and after 40 years of wandering around in circles, God is ready to usher His chosen nation into their new homeland. Their instructions include how to succeed in battle, requirements to remain under His blessings, and the promise that if they follow in His ways, they will increase in number and power, and be held in high regard by their enemies. The bottom line is that they revere and trust in Yahweh, the one, true God.
This is where we, Christ followers, miss the mark so often. It's not whether we are on the correct side of some political spectrum, or how loud we can shout over the opposition, it's whether we are on the side of God, following His path, seeking His face, marching to the beat of His drum, and trusting in Him to lead the way. Which way you ask? All the way to the final Promised Land - to spend eternity in the fullness of His presence.
From Joshua 1, what is revealed about God's character?
God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
God keeps His promises.
God's loves His people deeply and will lead them home.
In Joshua 1:5-9, God instructs His people in how to succeed:
Be strong.
Be bold.
Follow My words.
Do not veer to the right or to the left of what I've commanded you.
The assurance of their making it into the Promised Land and living under God's blessing is that they not veer from His Truth. The Scriptures unfold God's Redemptive Story, to which no one can add to or take away. His Word, His Truth, is all we need to remain on the path He's marked out so clearly for us, as we seek to live holy lives for His name sake.
Haven't I ordered you, "Be strong, be bold? So don't be afraid or downhearted, because ADONAI your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, The Complete Jewish Study Bible)
Keeping God's words on our lips and in our hearts and minds means meditating on His Truth day and night so we can learn it, teach it to our children and grandchildren, and ultimately, bring Him glory and honor with our lives.
Be bold and courageous, my friend. Do not veer to the right or to the left of God's Truth. Either of the two will lead to dead ends, disappointment, and destruction. Trust and obey the Word-Jesus Christ. His promises are true. His ways are perfect. He will never let us down.